Bordas & Bordas teams up with Ogden Newspapers Half Marathon Run and Walk

The Ogden Newspapers Half Marathon Run and Walk is a Memorial Day weekend tradition that many see as the official start of summer, regardless of what the calendar says.

Jamie Bordas, managing partner at Bordas & Bordas Law Firm in Wheeling, agrees. His family’s law firm is one of the main sponsors of the race set for Saturday, May 26, in downtown Wheeling. The 13.1-mile half-marathon run, run relay and walk are the showcase events that morning, with hundreds of participants also taking part in the 5K Run & Walk for Health and the Ogden Fun Run and Tiny Tot Trot.

“People look forward to it,” said Bordas. “It’s a big event that lets us know that summer is here.”

Bordas said his family law firm supports the run and walk because it is a community event that gives proceeds to local worthy causes and promotes a healthy lifestyle.

“We have always enjoyed being a part of community events,” said Bordas. “First, they give the proceeds to a worthy cause and this year is no exception. And second, it is a fun, family event that is part of a healthy lifestyle.”

Proceeds from this year’s run/walk will go to Laughlin Memorial Chapel, a Wheeling agency that enhances the lives of area youth and families through after-school programs. Chapel Executive Director Georgia Kurko said the race funds will go to the “Support the Bus” campaign to provide safe, reliable transportation for the youths who use the programs.

Since 2010, the race has donated more than $135,000 to local organizations.

A new attraction to this year’s event is the opportunity to have pictures taken in front of the Wheeling Nailers’ Suspension Bridge inflatable. The blowup will be situated outside the side entrance to WesBanco Arena from 7 a.m. until after the race concludes. Nailers fans will recognize the inflatable bridge as it was used at games this year when the players would skate onto the ice.

Race Director Joe Lovell said, unlike at the games, there will not be flames with the bridge. He said it will serve as a landmark for runners who might like to pose in front of it for pictures with their race medals. In the event of rain or high winds, the bridge will not be in place.

In addition to Bordas & Bordas and Ogden Newspapers, other sponsors this year include the City of Wheeling, Project Best, Mountain River Physical Therapy, Panhandle Cleaning & Restoration, Wheeling Hospital, United Bank, the Ohio County Commission and The Health Plan.

Online and mailed preregistrations for the race are due by Monday. Register online at www.ogdenhalfmarathoncla ssic.com.